Trying to make a new apartment feel like home can be hard, especially when the space you have to work with is small. It doesn’t help that you (usually) can’t make permanent changes. And to top it off, your place might have strange dimensions or awkward features that you have no clue what to do with… Ugh!

Fortunately, Modsy Designers have seen it all. We’re sharing the following small apartment design ideas from our home design playbook to help you tackle your space in style.

Want design help from the pros? Modsy Designers are standing by to help you create and shop for your dream room in 3D. Start a project today and watch the magic happen!

1. Light It Up With Wall Sconces

If you’re looking for small apartment design ideas involving lighting, wall sconces are the way to go. These babies light up your home without wasting valuable floor space or table surface area (unlike a chunkier table lamp).

What’s even better? Many wall sconce options can be plugged into the wall so you don’t have to worry about the whole wiring issue. Some even swivel, giving you extra flexibility with your lighting.

2. Keep Furniture Off the Floor

Kind of like how your mom used to say “keep your feet off the sofa,” one of the best apartment design ideas involves keeping your furniture off the floor.

Why? Because nothing makes a small space look even smaller like a bulky sofa plopped right on the floor. Instead, try using furniture that sits high up off the floor to make your small space look roomier. Pieces with long tapered legs, like this sofa, are a perfect choice. (Psst! This is also a reason why the Mid-Century Modern trend is so popular in urban cities where homes are a lot smaller.)

3. Layer a Rug Over Your Carpet

One of the best small apartment design ideas is to cover the unattractive floor with a pretty rug. This works whether you have hardwood, tile or carpet that’s just not doing it for you.

Not only does a rug add style, but it also helps define zones in your layout. Plus, rugs are easy to roll up and transport, meaning you can invest knowing you’ll be able to your next place.

4. Divide Your Space With Your Furniture

Many small apartments don’t have separate dining and living rooms (or even separate bedrooms if you’re living the studio life). But you can still create different “zones” using your furniture to divide the space.

Among the best small apartment design ideas is using the back of your sofa to act like a wall that divides one large living/dining room into two separate areas. Another of our favorite tricks is to use a bookcase as a divider between your bedroom and living spaces. Voila – your studio apartment is now a one bedroom!

5. Try an Irregular Rug

Sometimes it’s best to skip a rectangular rug and embrace an irregular option instead. After all, a rug that is clearly too big or too small will just draw attention to the size of your room.

Instead, try an irregularly shaped rug, such as a cowhide or even a round rug. This will create a sense of flow and fill most of the floor space without drawing attention to the small size of your room.

6. Opt for Clear Furniture

When you can’t make more space, you can always employ some apartment design ideas that make it look like you have more space. The oldest trick in the interior designer’s handbook? Clear furniture!

Opting for pieces made of glass or acrylic is a great way to trick the eye into thinking your space is larger than it is. So skip the bulky wooden coffee table in favor of a glass or acrylic option. It’ll make your space look more open and airy – which in turn will help it feel larger!

7. Prop Up Artwork

Renting an apartment often means you can’t put holes in the walls. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the chance to display beautiful art in your home! Instead, just put the artwork on a dresser or shelf and lean it against the wall.

This is also a great trick to create a slightly more eclectic vibe in your space. Not worried about making holes? Try leaning one piece of art against another hung on the wall for a layered look.

8. Use Your Space Vertically

You may not have a lot of square footage in your apartment, but you can make the absolute most of it by going vertical. For instance, one of tour favorite small apartment design ideas is using bookcases in creative ways!

Bookcases make use of your space vertically so you can maximize storage while minimizing use of floor space. Want to take it a step further? Try swapping your nightstand or side table for a bookcase. Even consider finding a bookcase with a built in desk option!

If you’re having trouble visualizing these small apartment ideas in your own home, let Modsy help! We use 3d renderings to show you how new furniture and décor will look in your exact room, ensuring you don’t waste time and money buying items that won’t fit or look good in your home.

In the run-up to the holidays there’s plenty of anticipation surrounding social events. It is peak hosting season, after all, so you’re likely either planning to attend a few gatherings or throw one of your own. But here’s the rub – you don’t have to have a huge space to host a big party!

With a few layout tweaks and well-placed cocktails, even the smallest spaces can be home to great gatherings. Read on for 6 of our best small space ideas that are sure to make holiday hosting a breeze.

1. Open Up Your Layout

No matter if you’re hosting a casual get-together with friends or a formal soiree, having space for guests to gather and socialize is in an important part of any party.

The easiest way to achieve a sense of flow in your small space? Try switching up your layout! Move big pieces of furniture out of the way or relegate them to another room for the evening. If you can’t remove them completely, try putting them along the walls so you can maximize the open area where people can socialize.

Designer Tip: When purchasing furniture for a small space, consider pieces with tapered legs and glass or mirrored surfaces. These elements trick the eye into thinking your space is larger and more open than it actually may be. Check out these 5 other small space design hacks.

2. Put Every Surface to Work

Now that you’ve created an open area, you might wonder where you’re going to put all the snacks and appetizers.

Instead of creating one designated place for all food and drinks, consider peppering your space with several mini snack stations. Don’t be afraid to clear off your desk and use all your side tables. Even bookcases can be repurposed for the evening as tiered serving surfaces to keep your guests satiated with sweets, savories, and libations!

3. Use Your Whole Home

Have more guests than your living room can comfortably hold? Consider welcoming them into other areas of your home, like your kitchen, dining room, or even outdoor spaces.

Encourage people to meander through your home by serving a dedicated cocktail or snack in different rooms. As the host, you’ll always have the opportunity to chat with people and tell them to feel free to hang out anywhere – not just in the living room.

4. Consider Where You Put the Drinks

What does every good host do? Put a drink in your hand as you come through the door. Unfortunately, in small spaces, this can lead to a traffic jam of people at the entrance where space is even more limited.

If this sounds like your home, consider greeting your guests at the front and directing them to a drink station in the back. This will help alleviate any entryway bottlenecks and encourage flow through your space.

5. Set the Mood

What makes a good party even better? Setting the right mood with decor!

Create the perfect cozy environment with string lights, candles, and whatever seasonal decor you like. Remember every area can add to the atmosphere, so don’t shy away from putting a few bits of decor in the bathroom, hidden hallways, or other areas your guests might only visit for a few moments.

6. Keep Your Cool

Of course, this means staying focused on the joy of the evening. But in small spaces it also means remaining aware of rising temperatures. Lots of people in a cramped area can make it hot quite quickly. Consider cracking a window or two to let the cool air in so your guests are feeling cozy but not over heating!

At the end of the day, it’s great people who make a great party. If you can make your guests feel at home and relaxed, the size of your space doesn’t really matter. Be creative and rethink your living space entirely, at least for the evening.

With Thanksgiving less than a month away, it’s safe to say peak hosting season is officially upon us! That means it’s time to break out the pumpkin décor, light your favorite fall scented candle, and get your bar cart ready for action.

Whether you’re opening your home for the big turkey day or planning an informal “Friendsgiving,” hosting a dinner party in any space can be intimidating. But for those of us working with minimal square footage, it can pose an even greater challenge.

Not only do you have to negotiate cooking a spectacular meal in a pint-sized kitchen, but you also have to figure where everyone is going to sit. Not to mention the struggle of fitting your feast on your tiny (or even non-existent) table!

If those struggles sound familiar, don’t fret! With a few clever tricks you can easily host a successful dinner party in your space, no matter the size.

To help, we rounded up our Modsy Designers’ 6 best tips for small space hosting.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Rearrange Your Whole Space

The most common challenge with small space hosting is that most small homes don’t have dining rooms! But here’s the good news – dining rooms are not a requirement for hosting an excellent dinner party.

Try rearranging your main living space for the evening. Push your sofa to the side and bring your dining table into the newly opened space.

Not sure what the best layout is for your space? Try your hand at our 3D Style Editor to see how new layouts will look in your room (without the heavy lifting). Not a Modsy customer? Start a project and we’ll show you your options in 3D.

2. Mix and Match Your Chairs

Don’t have a full set of dining chairs handy? Gather all of the seats from around your house and take them into the main entertaining space.

Look around for desk chairs, stools, entryway benches and other furniture that you can repurpose as dining room seating for the evening.

Designer Tip: Dining chairs can be used in more places than just the dining room! Try one as a desk chair or even get creative and use it as a nightstand. This is a great option if you prefer the look of a matching set (not to mention shopping in pairs can often save you money).

3. Expand Your Table (Or Expand Your Options)

One of the best ways to prepare for a small space dinner party is with an expandable dining table. These give you the option to accommodate more people when needed, but also easily collapse to save space when it’s just you.

If purchasing a new table just isn’t, well, on the table, consider making do with what you have. Don’t be afraid to pull in desks and console tables to create a makeshift dining space for the night.

4. Go Mobile With Your Drink + Snack Station

A bar car is a great option for hosting a dinner party in tight quarters. You can wheel it in when you need it, and easily tuck it away when you don’t.

If you’re working with an especially small space, look for an option with an open frame to keep your space looking airy and light. Mirrored shelves are another trick to help make your space look a bit larger than it is.

5. Set Up a Buffet Station

The last thing you want is to clutter up your dining table and leave no space to actually eat. Instead, outfit a credenza or console table as a buffet station and encourage guests to help themselves.

6. Serve Vertically

Vertical displays are a great way to make more surface area when you don’t have any. When it comes to small space hosting, opt for some tiered serving trays to make the most of a smaller serving station.

Don’t let your small space hold you back! Whether it’s a tiny dining room or an awkward living space, our Modsy designers are standing by to help you find the perfect design for your home. Start a project today and get your space ready for the holidays!

Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a big family house, storage ideas for small spaces can always come in handy. Adding storage doesn’t have to mean adding an entire new shelving system or purchasing a big ticket item, like a credenza; all it takes is rethinking your spaces with the right pieces.

Read on for 7 of our favorite storage ideas for small spaces.

1. Work Storage Into Your Entry

Use a desk in your entry as a functional console and catchall. One with drawers provides holding places for mail and on-the-go accessories, like sunglasses, hats, and totes.

The surface can hold a tray for keys, a table lamp, and a mirror for those last-minute outfit checks before you dash out the door.

2. Choose a Multipurpose Coffee Table

For a busy space like your living room, consider working storage into your coffee table.

For instance, a two-tiered table allows you to stash trays, magazines, and coasters on the lower shelves. A repurposed trunk or a coffee table with a lid is great for stowing away big books, board games, and even kids’ toys. And a coffee table with drawers are stylish design details that can also keep remotes, wine openers, and other small items out of sight.

3. Find New Use for Nightstands

No need to relegate a nightstand to just your bedroom. Pull one into your living room to use as a side table. One of our favorite storage ideas for small spaces, nightstands are a great way to pack in extra storage without adding clutter.

Most nightstands come with two or three drawers, so you’ll have extra storage space for everything from additional cords and candles to throw blankets. On top, you’ll have room for a lamp as well as a place to put down a drink.

4. Add Seating with Storage

Super-functional storage benches and ottomans are perfect in any living room, but especially if you’re short on space.

Giving you both style and storage, these benches serve as pretty and comfortable seating when you have guests over and also as hiding spots for anything and everything. Try using a storage bench under a living room window to create a reading spot, or tuck it behind your sofa.

5. Go Big with Baskets

Easy to tote around, baskets are storage catchalls. They’re the easiest of our small space storage ideas to implement and they can be easily brought to a larger space if you move!

They’re especially handy if you have kids that lay out their toys; keeping them in baskets will help conceal what can be a mess on the floor. Plus, baskets tuck nicely into cubbies or can be set on the floor by a chair to hold blankets and books.

Try multiple baskets spread out in one room on the floor for a few storage touch points.

6. Make Your Bed Do Double Duty

If you’re working with small square footage, a platform bed with drawers or one with storage underneath can help you make the most of an otherwise unused space in your bedroom.

7. Rethink a Bookshelf

Try an open bookcase beside your bed instead of a nightstand or table. This ups your storage (literally) by making use of wall space that’s often left empty next to your bed.

Essentials—like an alarm clock, your iPhone, bedtime reading—can go on the lower shelves, while books, jewelry boxes, and even clothes can be stored on the upper ones. And since most open bookshelves are narrow, you’ll also be saving floor space.

Need to rethink storage in your small space?

In our “Small-Space Hacks” series, you’ll find stylish solutions for tiny spaces as well as tricky areas that often get overlooked in the home. Not your typical DIY projects, these “hacks” involve simply rethinking furniture with a little ingenuity to create spaces that enhance your daily life.

This week we show you simple ways to make the most of a small bedroom. Read on for our favorite easy tricks to save lots of space, add major style, and rethink the possibilities in a pint-size bedroom.

If You’re Pressed For Storage Space…

Bulk Up Your Bedside.

If you don’t have a lot of room, make this spot by your bed work overtime. Nix the nightstand and go for a small dresser or a compact chest with drawers instead. They function just like a nightstand but offer more in storage for stashing away clothes, sheets, and other essentials. You can even pull in a set of baskets for storing small items, such as books, pillows, and even chunkier, winter clothes.

Think Vertical Storage.

Swap in a bookcase to add more vertical storage space. If you’re have lots of books, accents, and small knick knacks, this is a great solve that takes up very little footprint beside your bed.

If You Have Very Little Walking Room…

Float Some Shelves.

If a small nightstand, chest, or bookshelf are all still taking up too much floor space, opt for a floating shelf or two (or three!), which leaves zero footprint and won’t clutter up a small bedroom that’s already tight on space. The best part is that these can go anywhere and also double as display surfaces for cool art, personal objects, and plants.

Hang Your Lights.

Rather than a table or floor lamps, hang pendants (or sconces) for bedside lighting instead to save on floor space. They’re a stylish solve for small bedrooms, particularly alongside the bed. They also work well with floating shelves beside the bed!

If You Think There’s No Room For Stylish Pieces…

Try a Free-Form Rug.

Rugs come in several standard sizes, but these can often be too big or too small, which will accentuate the small size of your space rather than work with it. Consider a rug with an organic shape, like a cowhide, which will distract from the boxiness of your tiny bedroom while adding some nice color and warm, fuzzy texture underfoot.

Add Cool, Clear Furniture.

Furniture like an acrylic bench or set of clear nesting tables can open up your small bedroom visually and also act as storage without making the space feel cluttered. Similarly, mirrors can have the same effect, tricking the eye into thinking the room is larger than it seems. Try hanging one bedside or a large round one above the bed for a light, roomy effect.

Pack in Some Plants.

Even if you don’t have room for extra furniture, you can easily add a lively touch with some hanging greenery and plants. Find a corner for a hanging planter or two, or line up several plants along floating shelves for a cute display.

For more stylish and smart ideas for your small bedroom, check out these stories!